'Strong evidence' of lowered dementia risk: the benefits of shingles vaccination
A growing body of evidence suggests the vaccine may also lower risk of stroke and heart attack
TL;DR
- Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can reactivate after a chickenpox infection.
- The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective at preventing shingles and reducing the severity of outbreaks.
- Emerging research suggests a strong association between shingles vaccination and a reduced risk of dementia.
- Early studies also indicate potential benefits in lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Side effects of the vaccine are generally mild and short-lived, such as pain and swelling at the injection site.
- The vaccine is recommended in two doses for adults 50+ and immunocompromised adults 19+.
- While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the potential for a single intervention to offer such broad health benefits is significant.